Gittins returns for State of Mind workshop

Jimmy Gittins is to return to Sharlston as part of the 'State of Mind' programme and will speak to local players about the importance of training the mind as well as the body.

In 2002 Jimmy broke his neck in two places whilst playing for Sharlston Rovers leaving him paralysed from the chest down. The club rallied to support Jimmy through his injury and raised a massive £19,500 to help support his rehab and family.

What followed is a truly remarkable story of how his sheer determination and resilience saw him get back onto his feet, and led to him embarking on a number of fundraising and awareness activities in aid of the Try Assist Benevolent Fund.

The initial prognosis was that Jimmy would never walk again and he would lose his independence. But, after spending months in Pinderfields spinal unit Hospital, undergoing intense physiotherapy, he regained partial movement in his arms and legs.

Jimmy left hospital still affected by paralysis in all four limbs, but was able to walk, with the aid of crutches, out of the doors he arrived in immobilised on a stretcher, a year earlier.

Jimmy has been able to take experiences from his long period of rehabilitation into roles that help others firsts as ambassador of RFL benevolent fund 'Try Assist' and more recently to the 'State of Mind' programme.

The programme was established in 2011 with the aim of improving the mental health, well being and working life of rugby league players and communities. The session is aimed to break boundaries around being able to ask for help and talk to people during the hard times.

Jimmy will be joined by Paul and Danny Sculthorpe to deliver the 'State of Mind’ programme at the Sharlston Rovers rugby club (where it started for Jimmy 10 years ago).

The session will start at 7.30pm prompt on Tuesday 5th March and lasts around an hour. Players and supporters from all local club are invited to attend.

The programme has been delivered to all super league and championship clubs and several sessions at amateur clubs in Lancashire, and this is one of the first planned this side of the pennines.